instrumental music handbook - pittwater house · 2020 instrumental music handbook | page 3 contents...

2020 Instrumental Music Handbook

| 2020 Instrumental Music Handbook

The Pittwater House Schools Ltd. t 02 9981 4400 f 02 9971 1627

www.pittwaterhouse.com.au

PO Box 244 Manly NSW 1655 70 South Creek Rd Collaroy NSW 2097 ABN 87 000 655 845 | CRICOS 00897J

Co-ordinator of Performing Arts

COS/JRA- LSM – 191015 - Version 1

2020 Instrumental Music Handbook |

Contents Instrumental Music Program 2020 ...................................................................................................4

Our Musical Aims .......................................................................................................................4

General Information ...................................................................................................................4

What Instrument Can My Child Learn? .......................................................................4 At What Age Can a Student Start Learning an Instrument? .........................................5 Which Instrument Should Your Child Learn? ..............................................................5 How can we get an Instrument for our Child? ..............................................................6

Tuition ..........................................................................................................................................6

How many Instruments can my child learn at school? .................................................7 Membership of Ensembles ...........................................................................................7 Commitment to Tuition ................................................................................................7 Lesson Times ................................................................................................................7 Lesson Charges .............................................................................................................8 Senior Elective Classes and Instrumental Music ..........................................................8

Performing Groups .....................................................................................................................8

Ensembles .....................................................................................................................9

Instrumental Music Application .....................................................................................................11

Contract of Commitment and Registration ...................................................................................12


Instrumental Music Program 2020 The Pittwater House Instrumental Program aims to contribute to each student’s development musically, academically, socially and personally. The Pittwater House Performing Arts Department also offers many permanent music ensembles in which students can participate (listed later). These ensembles are open to all members of the School Family who play instruments.

Our Musical Aims • To give all students, regardless of their previous musical experience, the opportunity to play

an instrument • To give all students who play an instrument the opportunity to play in an ensemble that

corresponds to their level of musical development • To develop an appreciation of a wide range of musical styles • To develop aural skill (musical hearing or ‘musical ear’) • To develop the ability to express themselves musically and emotionally • To provide the opportunity for students to contribute to the quality of life of other people

through their performances

Playing in an ensemble can contribute to a student's development of:

• Team, School and Community Spirit • Self-Esteem • Social Interaction • Self-Discipline and responsibility • Creative problem solving

General Information Instrumental and Vocal tuition is available to all students enrolled at Pittwater House School and is very much a part of the general school activities. Many students in the school are already taking part in private instruction in voice and/or some of the wide range of instruments offered by the school. What Instrument Can My Child Learn? The school at present offers tuition with qualified teachers on the following instruments:

WOODWIND Flute Oboe Clarinet Alto Saxophone Tenor Saxophone Bassoon

BRASS Trumpet French Horn Trombone Tuba Euphonium

STRINGS Violin Viola Cello Double Bass Electric Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar* Electric Guitar* Ukulele

KEYBOARD Piano* Pipe Organ *

PERCUSSION Includes: Drum Kit, Timpani, Bass Drum, Xylophone, Tambourine, Cymbals etc.

VOICE

* These instruments are not always used in school bands or ensembles. A single piano and guitar may be used in Jazz Bands or Chamber Orchestra but positions are in demand. These students are also encouraged to learn an ensemble instrument as well in later years.


At What Age Can a Student Start Learning an Instrument? The Program starts in the Junior Schools with lessons on woodwind, brass, string, voice, percussion or keyboard instruments. The starting age depends on the choice of instrument. More information is given below. Woodwind and Brass Woodwind and Brass instruments require a level of physical development usually found in a child around age 8 or Year 3. Percussion Percussion is not only the Drum Kit. Students will be exposed to different tuned and untuned percussion instruments throughout Early Stage 1 and Stage 1. Tuition is recommended from around age 9 or Year 4. Guitar This instrument is not normally taught until Year 4 and above. Piano and String Instruments Tuition Pittwater House offers two styles of tuition on these instruments. The two methods are Traditional and Suzuki. For more information please contact [email protected]. Students in Years 3 and 4 will be participating in an Instrumental Music Program which gives all students the opportunity to have a Group lesson and to participate in an Ensemble rehearsal during their Curricular Music Lesson time. During Term 4 of Year 2 the students will be assessed by their classroom music teacher and given guidance on what instrument would suit them best. This is not a substitute for a private music tuition and students are encouraged to have private music tuition in addition to their group lesson. This additional lesson is optional but strongly encouraged. Which Instrument Should Your Child Learn? There are several things that need to be considered when deciding on an instrument. It is important that you seek advice on these from trained professionals, such as the School Music Staff. These are the considerations: Physical Attributes: Some children may not have the physical attributes needed to play a certain instrument: The height of the student, the size of hands and the lengths of arms and legs, may all influence the type of instruments a student can learn eg. Double bass players need to be a little taller than violin players in the early years. Ensemble Vacancies: The School must consider the eventual vacancies for players most needed by the School Ensembles. Priority will be given to students who wish to play instruments which are in greatest need by Ensembles. All ensembles, bands and orchestras need various numbers and different types of instruments to make up the group. Each instrument plays a specific part in the group or has a special job. In many ways it is a lot like a sporting team. For example, in a soccer team all eleven players cannot be the goalkeeper. The coach will pick the team so each position is covered. In a band or orchestra, the coach's job is given to the conductor. They must make sure there is an instrument for each job. As a result, a band or orchestra cannot sound as good (or balanced) with too many saxophones or flutes and no clarinets, French horns or trombones.

mailto:[email protected]


Level of Enthusiasm: We may have problems if a student is forced to play saxophone and they really want to play trombone. This can lead to a high failure rate and needs to be a consideration in the decision. Care must be taken here also that the child is simply not following a trend for example, ‘because a friend also learns the instrument' or 'because the instrument is considered "cool" at the moment'. Trends change rapidly; therefore choices made on this basis can be costly concerning tuition fees, instruments and time. Ensure the student has looked at all the instruments available, as often unwise decisions can be made because of lack of knowledge about other alternatives. How can we get an Instrument for our Child? It is expected that students will eventually purchase their own private instruments where financially possible. Personal ownership of instruments always ensures student commitment and care of instruments. Please do not panic about the cost of instruments yet as there are several ways to offset these costs. Below are some options: School Hire The school has a limited number of used instruments available for hire from $105 per term. These instruments are hired for the maximum of a year. After this time it is expected that the student and parents should try to purchase their own instruments. Exceptions are made for some specialty instruments which may be allocated by the school to a student without a fee. Extensions of the hire period can be made in extenuating circumstances after consultation with the Co-ordinator of Performing Arts. Parents will be billed by the School for their hire each term in the school fees.

The school at present controls numerous instruments and are continually increasing their holdings, particularly with more expensive instruments. Music Store Hire/Buy Some of the larger Sydney music stores offer hire/buy programs for student instruments. A phone call or visit to one of these stores will provide you with their relevant details. The Music Department will be happy to give you details of such companies. New or Second Hand Instruments It is important that beginning musicians start their tuition on good quality instruments. Cheap instruments are often more difficult to play and do not hold their value if they need to be resold. Whilst it may be cheaper in the short term, the cheaper instruments are often fraught with problems because of poor manufacturing or damage from use. Often a little time spent finding out what to look for, will result in a good investment with possible resale value and a sound instrument for your child to learn upon. Poor equipment means poor sound, this usually frustrates the learner, and they may not feel that they are improving. Some second hand instruments are a good buy, but should be checked out by someone who plays the instrument (eg your teacher or tutor) before you buy it. If you are going to purchase a new instrument please contact the instrumental teacher or one of the music staff at School for advice on instrument brands and problems to look out for.

Tuition Private lessons are given once per week during the term and are usually 30 minutes long. The students are given tuition on their chosen instrument/s or voice by teachers chosen by the School for their expert teaching skills, qualifications and experience.


How many Instruments can my child learn at school? Normally two instruments is the maximum. As well as the lesson out of curriculum time, two sessions of practice will be needed each day. Membership of Ensembles It is compulsory for students who are having instrumental music lessons in the School’s Program to participate in one of the many Pittwater House Music Ensembles and singing lessons in a choir. Beginners will be advised by their music tutor of when they are of a suitable standard to commence.

Keyboard (Piano) and Guitar may choose Choir as their compulsory ensemble. This is an extremely important part of their musical training.

We also strongly encourage students who learn music privately, away from the School, to also participate in these Ensembles. The Ensembles are usually great fun and highly educational. Student’s efforts in Ensembles do not go unnoticed. Students are rewarded for participation, performances and concerts. Students in the School’s Instrumental Program must then take care with their choice of other extracurricular activities and School sport. They must check that these activities do not clash with Ensemble rehearsal times. Further details about extracurricular activities are located later in this document. Commitment to Tuition It is expected that students starting an instrument will continue tuition for a minimum of one year, unless the teacher advises otherwise. If a student decides to withdraw from lessons, a term’s notice must be given in writing to Mr David Cosentino (Co-ordinator of Performing Arts) at: [email protected]. Failure to do this may result in a term's fees being payable. Lesson Times Music lessons operate on a rotating basis, where possible, through the daily timetable. Each student is withdrawn for their instrumental lesson from their normal classes at allotted times during the day. As a result of this weekly rotation process, students should not miss more than thirty minutes of any normal class lesson. Where there is only one student on an instrument, the teacher may arrange a time that is mutually convenient. Lunchtime, before or after school lessons may be arranged for Year 11/12 students, if the teacher is available and time can be arranged as discussed below. Priority for recess and lunchtime will be given to senior students. Please remember that many of these tutors also service other schools and are only in the School for a limited time. Please Note: Students are required to keep a record of their lesson times in their Music Record

Book and Program Book. This allows the student, teachers and parent’s easy access to the lesson times.

It is the responsibility of the student to advise the classroom teacher in advance, that they will be attending their instrumental lesson. Students should also see the teacher after the lesson to find out what was covered in class. All teachers are aware of this arrangement and will not hesitate to assist the student to catch up on work missed.



Lesson Charges The charge for lessons is $50.50 per 30 minutes. The fees are invoiced to you via your School Account, and payment is made with your school fees. Arrangements for refunds will be made if a teacher is unable to give a full number of lessons because of public holidays or school events such as excursions, exams etc. However, no refunds will be made for lessons missed without prior notice, because for example, a student forgets to attend at the allotted time or has a dental appointment. Lessons will be charged for when students take holidays during School Term. Parents are responsible to make arrangements in advance whether a student is unable to attend a lesson. Parents should liaise directly with the child’s instrumental tutor to reschedule a lesson should this situation arise. No fee will be charged if the student is unable to attend due to a school function (e.g. excursion). The student should notify both their tutor and the school regarding their absence at least 24 hours in advance, or a fee may be charged. The school email is: [email protected]. Senior Elective Classes and Instrumental Music Students in the Senior School who study an instrument or voice are strongly encouraged to select elective music in Years 9 and 10 and possibly HSC music in Years 11 and 12. In these lessons students study musical performance (instrumental and vocal), composition, aural awareness (listening skills), combined with theory and a basic understanding of the history of music and its various styles. The study of these will enable a student to progress much more rapidly in their practical instrumental studies. Performing Groups

To support the instrumental and vocal tuition taking place in the School, many extra-curricular ensembles have been established by the music staff. These groups provide an opportunity for the students to put into practice the skills they have learned in their lessons. The ensembles (orchestras, bands and choirs, etc.) develop important performance skills such as teamwork, co-operation and valuable performance techniques that cannot always be provided in their private lessons.

The Performing Arts Department is proud to offer many ensembles in a great variety of styles and size, from K-12. Music performance is highly valued in our school and we look forward to welcoming all levels of skills into our progressive Ensemble Program. In addition to the groups listed below, other groups are formed for special occasions throughout the year. Notice of opportunity to join these special groups will be given to students as the time arises, and membership will depend on the skills of our students and the type of function the Ensemble will take part in. For any enquiries regarding music tuition, please contact: [email protected] We welcome you to the vibrant Performing Arts Ensemble program!




Ensembles Senior Choir Singers in the Secondary School are all welcome in the Senior Choir. This group of mixed voices (male and female) sings many styles of music and is often responsible for leading the school in major events. Cantabile Singers This is open to all students in Years 2 and 3 who like to sing. They perform in a variety of styles, with an emphasis on fun while reinforcing ensemble work. Chamber Choir This choir is offered by audition to students in Years 4 to 6. They perform on many school occasions, giving students that love to sing an opportunity to extend their skills and be introduced to a more challenging repertoire. Symphonic Winds This is an invitational ensemble that cater for those Senior School instrumentalists that are a minimum of a Grade 4 AMEB or equivalent. Placements for Piccolo, Flute, oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone (Alto, Tenor and Baritone), Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Double Bass (Bass Guitar), Percussion: Tuned (Mallets) and Untuned (Drums) and Piano (Grade 8 plus). Students who are not at the required level and wish to be a part of this ensemble will be required to audition. The audition process will involve some technical work, sight reading and students are required to show a continued commitment to a current Pittwater House ensemble. Wind Band This ensemble is open to Senior School instrumentalists who have a good playing skill and who play Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone (Alto, Tenor and Baritone), Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Double Bass (Bass Guitar), Percussion: Tuned (Mallets) and Untuned (Drums) and Piano. Students in Years 7 and 8 are required to commit to the Wind Band regardless of their other ensemble membership. Big Band This is an invitational ensemble that caters for those Senior School instrumentalists that are a minimum of a Grade 6 AMEB or equivalent. Placements are available for Saxophone (Alto, Tenor and Baritone), Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, Drum Kit, Piano (Grade 8 plus) and Voice. Students who are not at the required level and wish to be a part of this ensemble will be required to audition. The audition process will involve some technical work and sight reading. Students are required to be a member of another Pittwater House ensemble. Senior Guitar Ensemble A small group of guitar players from the Senior School. This ensemble plays in many styles with a particular emphasis on popular music.


Strings Ensemble A small group of string players from both the Junior and Senior School. This ensemble plays in many styles with a particular emphasis on light classical music. Junior Guitar Ensemble A small group of guitar players from the Junior School. This young ensemble plays in many styles with a particular emphasis on popular music. Bass Guitar Ensemble A small group of bass guitar players from Years 5 to 12. This ensemble plays in many styles with a particular emphasis on popular music. Junior Band This ensemble is open to Junior School instrumentalists who have a good playing skill and who play Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone (Alto, Tenor and Baritone), Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Double Bass (Bass Guitar), Percussion: Tuned (Mallets) and Untuned (Drums) and Piano. There is no audition for this but students need to be able to read music to a basic level. Mr David Cosentino Co-ordinator of Performing Arts


Instrumental Music Application Please complete this form, read and sign the Agreement overleaf, detach from Information Booklet, and return to Mr Cosentino via the Senior and Junior School Music Staff or at the Music Cottage. Surname: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Other Names: _____________________________________ Student No: ______________________ School: Junior Girls College Girls College Preparatory School Grammar School Year: _________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________ Postcode: ________________________________ Home Phone No: ______________________ Email Address: ___________________________ Mother's Name: _______________________ Work No: ________________________________ Father's Name: _______________________ Work No: ________________________________ Mailing Address (if different to above): ______________________________________________

Pittwater House Music Instrumental Program Please number in order of preference, and write OWN next to the instrument if you already have your own or have access to an instrument for your child.

BRASS Trumpet ........................................ Trombone ..................................... Euphonium/Baritone .................... French horn .................................. Tuba ..............................................

WOODWIND Flute ....................................... Oboe ....................................... Bb Clarinet ............................. Bass Clarinet .......................... Alto Saxophone ...................... Tenor Saxophone ................... Baritone Saxophone ...............

PERCUSSION ...................... Drum Kit ................................ VOCAL .................................

STRINGS Violin ............................................ Viola ............................................. Cello ............................................. Double Bass (Traditional) ..........

KEYBOARD Piano (Traditional) ................ Piano (Suzuki) ........................ Pipe Organ .............................

GUITAR Acoustic Guitar ..................... Electric Guitar ....................... Electric Bass Guitar ............... Ukulele ...................................

If your child has had any experience playing any of the above please describe briefly:

________________________________________________________________________________ Any Medical Conditions which your Music Tutor should be aware of: _______________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________ FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:

Parent Contacted Tutor Contacted Database Entry Instrument Hire form returned

Lessons Terminated Database Entry deleted Date Received


Contract of Commitment and Registration

Student's Name: ________________________________________________ Year: _________ This is a Contract of Commitment which must be read and signed by both parents and students before entry into the Program. ("I" in this document refers to the student. "We" in this document refers to the parent/s and student.) INSTRUMENTS: We understand we will need to either: (a) Buy an instrument, outright, (b) Participate in a hire / buy scheme (eg Mall Music, Musicorp, Mona Vale Music), or (c) Hire an instrument from the School (if available) and purchase my own after one year as

detailed in option (a) or (b).

MEMBERSHIP: (a) I understand that I will be a member of the program for a minimum period of 6 months. I

understand that a Term’s notice should be given or I may be recharged for these lessons. In this time I will be required to attend all rehearsals, lessons, tutorials and performances for this period.

(b) We understand that if we decide to withdraw from lessons we will advise in writing to Mr David Cosentino, Co-ordinator of Performing Arts at: [email protected].

ENSEMBLE COMMITMENT: I understand that it is compulsory to join an ensemble after a term of instrumental lessons or as otherwise agreed (refer to the Extra-Curricular Music Ensembles Policy). LESSONS: I will attend lessons each week and will be prepared to reschedule if unable to attend at the arranged time. I will bring my Instrumental Music Record Book. I will co-operate fully with my tutor. We will contact the tutor / teacher at least 24 hours in advance if I cannot attend my lesson. We will be charged for a lesson if I am on holidays during the School Term. HOME PRACTICE: I will practise my instrument for at least fifteen minutes per day or as directed by my tutor, ensemble directors or teachers. (To be monitored by parent(s)/guardian.) FEES: We understand that lesson fees of $50.50 per 30 minutes, will be billed to our School Account. PERFORMANCES: I will make myself available for EVERY performance. When I represent the School at performances I will wear full School Uniform. I hereby apply for membership to the Pittwater House Instrumental Music Program. PARENT: I have read and understood the conditions of membership as set down in the Contract of Commitment and I accept full responsibility for my child's / children's participation in the School Program. SIGNED: DATE:

STUDENT: I agree to fulfil my commitment to the Pittwater House Instrumental Music Program as discussed with my parents and set down in the Contract of Commitment. SIGNED: DATE :


instrumental music handbook - pittwater house · 2020 instrumental music handbook | page 3 contents...

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